The University of Kansas is disputing allegations of major recruiting violations by the men’s basketball program.
The university in Lawrence, Kan., received a Notice of Allegations in September, with the NCAA accusing the men’s basketball program of five Level I violations and the football program of two violations. Kansas released its response Thursday, saying that it “formally challenges each of the men’s basketball related allegations.”
"The University also strongly disagrees with the assertion that it failed to monitor the men's basketball program," the response said, saying that Kansas is committed to full compliance with NCAA legislation. "The enforcement staff's allegations and conclusions regarding the University's compliance program are misguided."
According to CBS Sports, the Notice of Allegations cited Kansas with a lack of institutional control and placed a head coach responsibility charge on men’s basketball coach Bill Self. The allegations were based in part on former Adidas consultant T.J. Gassnola testifying that he recruited players to Kansas by funneling money to players’ families or guardians.
“[Head basketball coach Bill] Self did not demonstrate that he promoted an atmosphere for compliance based on his personal involvement in violations, and despite having knowledge of potential or actual violations, he did not report any of these matters to athletics compliance staff to allow for an independent inquiry,” the Notice of Allegations said.
Thursday’s statement from Kansas disputed those charges, saying there is nothing suggesting that Self or any of his staff should have known about any NCAA rules violations. Self and assistant coach Kurtis Townsend each released their own response Thursday.
"The allegations directed at Self are based on a misguided, unprecedented, and meritless interpretation and application of NCAA booster and recruiting legislation," Kansas said in its response. "All of the alleged improper recruiting contacts and communications by Self and his staff; individuals alleged to be University of Kansas boosters; and prospective student-athletes and their family members, are not NCAA violations, but are, in fact, examples of everyday communications and information-sharing, which are routine and permissible under NCAA rules. Such contacts are essential to the collegiate recruiting process and do not represent violation."
Related content: Kansas Receives NCAA NOA, Issues Response
